A little back story im looking at buying a yacht currently and trying to educate myself best i can. Im wanting to buy something to get a few years sailing under our belts, before heading overseas in 4 to 5 years to start a few years sailing around Europe and home via the pacific.

Originally i thought to buy something locally and leave from Aus but when i compare prices its a no brainer to buy overseas.

So im looking for something to fit the bill for WA coast line. I store my boat in Mindarie and most of the time will be simply to and from Rottnest. But would be keen to head up the coast, as far as possible Cocas, Exmouth and a little further even .

I have worked out kinda what i want.

Twin helms, from 40 to 46, must be three cabins and idealling a u shaped galley, (but for this boat that's not the end of the world). Also my wife wants a separate shower with a glass door, she doesn't want to be standing over a toilet and showering.

In the flesh i have been on a Bavaria 46, a few Beneteau 47.3's, a Beneteau 36 center cockpit. Looking at a Bavera 39 tomorrow. Trying to get a feel for size. I did like the 46' feel.

I really like the look of the Beneteau 46 but not seen one in the flesh. Online i noticed a Jeanneau 43's that fit the bill and there are even a couple of Beneteau 40's but do wonder if it may be too small.

My family is wife and two kids, 18 and 21 so we often have a full boat on our current 36' Riviera so size does matter.

Really looking for mid 2000 models i think.

Yes i've heard all the arguments about production boats, but they fit the bill, are priced okay.

Yes i would also love a cat, but don't have deep enough pockets, so need to be sensible.

Does anyone have any history with any of these boats, any suggestions on size or comparisons? Really looking for any info i can ingest currently.

I am also looking inter state, no issue with bringing the right boat home.

ACTAndy said..
If buying overseas don't bring the boat to Aus. If you do you will be hit with GST and import duty.
Quick rule of thumb is...cost in USD x 2 = cost once it's brought back, also if buying in the US remember all the electrics will be 110V

Andy

Yeah this boat im looking to buy will be local only.

Toph said..
If your adult aged kids and their friends are still going boating with you (good for you btw) then you will probably need something in the 140' range , even a 46 footer can get small with a crowed like that.

Rod, I have a 2004 B473 - you may remember it, maybe even been on it. It was a blue hulled yacht on C jetty at Mindarie. You verified the HIN for rego transfer after I sailed her back from Brisbane about 5 years ago.

My boat has some miles on her. It has circumnavigated and has several ARC plaques displayed so has crossed the Atlantic a few times, and even though I myself was mostly coastal on my delivery trip to Perth, she provided a safe, warm and (mostly) dry place to huddle when things got a little sporty. Of the boats you have listed above, I am a (maybe biased) advocate of the 473.

Don't be put off by the anti production boat, fin keel hype. The only issue I have with the boats you have mentioned (and its more a factor of their draft than build) is you'll always be the boat out the back... Especially at Rottnest where a 2m draft will keep you out on the back moorings

Happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

I can't remember that one, it must have been some time ago?

I looked at a few yesterday, and yeah the bigger boat will suit me.

I looked at a Bavera 39 that size was okay, but we did look at a Beneteau 46 and that had my wife super excited. They really do carry there beam well aft so the rear cockpit is a great size.